Be Heard the First Time: The Woman’s Guide to Powerful Speaking

by Susan Miller

Dr. Susan Miller s passion is to empower women with effective compelling communication skills so they can articulate and achieve their goals, communicate their needs, and master the art of being heard where it counts. Be Heard the First Time is an operator s manual for oral communication and shares the seven key skills of all competent speakers, plus Dr. Miller s proven strategies for breath and pitch control. For beginners, she shows how to focus on posture, presence, comfort level, and the message itself. For the more skilled speaker, Dr. Miller provides effective strategies for combating dry mouth, retrieving words, and answering aggressive questioning when faced with a high-level public meeting or press conference. Be Heard the First Time promises to help reticent women walk, stand, or sit powerfully, even if you feel insecure; like the sound of your voice; breathe deeply and slowly when you are anxious; say the last word of a sentence without trailing off; express your opinions, desires, and experiences clearly; vary the loudness, pitch, and duration of your voice when speaking; entertain others with stories, presentations, and tall tales; finish your statement without interruption; interview, clarify, object, debate, and negotiate powerfully; and respond assertively to criticism. Now the soft-spoken patent attorney, for example when promoted to the CEO position can quickly learn how to make a confident and visible entry to a conference or reception room, and how to speak quite differently than she did before her promotion. And, for those aiming for promotion, this book reveals how to be heard the first time so you can achieve your goals.

224 pages, Paperback

First published February 1, 2006

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.

Dr. Miller has over 26 years of experience transforming professional speakers, radio and news personalities, foreign-born executives, government officials, and international diplomats to communicate with impact. She lectures to groups ranging from 10 to 1,000 participants on topics such as effective communication, vocal power, vocal health, refining an accent, presenting your best self, assertiveness for women, and challenges in the workplace. Dr. Miller also helps injured voice users learn tips and tools to regain their voice and prevent further injury.

Reviews

[Debbie Howell · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this book. An easy read, but had good content, and I liked its design--fun cartoons on the chapter title pages, bulleted lists for reviewing concepts. Not too fond of the cover, though. The title makes it sound like this is just a book about public speaking, and there's a bit of that, but it's also full of helpful information about the mechanics of using your voice without tiring it or sounding like a little girl or an old crone. The author includes exercises to find your right speaking pitch, practice breath control, and to relax your voice when you're under pressure. Although it's targeted to women, the info would be useful to guys, too. Very practical.

[Leslie Farrell]

So far, this book is just okay. A video format would have been better, and what I've learned so far is that if I want to project a powerful self-image I really need to hire a consultant to help me.

I am waiting to read Penelope Trunk's book; her blog has many of the same pointers but better stated.

[Michalyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Really good tips for public speaking and improving both enunication and pronunciation but a little heavier on the exercises than I would have liked.

[S · Rating 2 out of 5]

A short read - it was nothing out of the ordinary.